The movie Spanglish (2004) is a romantic comedy about an unintended love interests between the leading role John Clasky, played by Adam Sandler, who is the loving husband and father and Mexican housekeeper and nanny, Flor Moreno who is played by fellow Latina Paz Vega. In the film we see many of your typical Latina stereotypes, the fiery Latina, the strict Latina mother, and maybe most importantly, the temptress or Latin Lover. In this film she is portrayed as the foolish housekeeper who’s both naïve persona and beauty unintentionally seduces the man and falls in love. In film no role is more predictable for Latinas then this one, and although this film is meant to be lighthearted it plays on many stereotypes that prove that even in a film with the best intentions Hollywood can’t shake being racist.
This films stereotype of the Latin Lover comes in many forms, the first and most obvious is in the form of Flor herself, from her name which conveniently means flower to her beauty she has all the makings of a typical heartthrob. She graces this upper middle class family with her calm and collected attitude and more importantly compassion. From fixing all of Bernice’s clothes after her mother buys her the wrong size to simply “being there” when John is dealing with Deborah’s infidelities Flor is always around and always helping. With that, it is clear the directors goal was not to instill a dislike toward the character Flor but rather to tug on the heartstrings of the viewer and see her as not the typical Latin Lover but rather as someone who is non-threatening.
The Latin Lover is not only beautiful they are also seductive and in Spanglish Flor’s character is a rare combination of both seduction and virtue. In the film she is portrayed as a woman who is uninterested in forming a bond with the family as she tries to keep the relationships professional. However, we see her slowly falling for John specifically because he is the opposite of the machismo Mexican men she is used to being around and ultimately it is her relationship with the kids that eventually seduces John. In the end however Flor refuses to come between John and his wife and after a magical night together she quits her job and leaves. This is a subtle nod to the stereotype of the Latin Lover and is a reminder to the audience that although Flors character seems timid she herself is temptation.
This stereotype is extremely hard to shake because it not only gives a bad name to Latinas who work in the industry but it paints of picture of a false reality, one that says a woman, especially a Latina woman cannot be trusted. Although films like this one try to paint a better picture for roles like Flor’s the fact is that these stereotypes show the mold that Hollywood has created for the Latinx community and even with the best intentions they cannot shake from the negative stereotypes.
I agrree with the use of the stereotypes that depict Flor. Although Flor’s Character is portrayed as strong, the film sets her in an inferior position to her white counterparts by giving her the role of the Latino housekeeper. A role that is usually typecasted to Latinos or minorities. Not to mention, that its the same story told, over and over, of the poor peasant girl meeting her prince charming.
Ali,
Although I haven’t seen this film, I can very easily see how the whole movie plays out. it does sound very predictable based on exactly what you have highlighted. The Latina housekeeper is more focused on the family unit than the parents themselves, she comes off as unassuming but may have devious ulterior motives to get in and take over. That is the main difference i see here is that Flor is portrayed in a different light where she has more virtue and has no interest in being part of the destruction of a family unit. It’s unfortunate that there is such a stereotypical role for a Latina housekeeper in Hollywood and even when it is intended to be lighthearted it does reinforce the perception that has been there for decades
Latin girls are beautiful and always gorgeous. The character Flor has quality of both seduction and virtue, so I am very interested in watching her in the film. Another point I am interested in is that to keep the audience’s attention without using strong character like stereotype of Latina. There should be other strong attractions in this film.
I concur that this film depicted Flors character as a sex symbol. Latinas in general are depicted as Latin Lovers as well and an example of that is Gina’s character in Scarface. As Valdez stated that “Not that women have not played major parts in Chicano films, but usually they are portrayed in terms of timework stereotypes; as virgins or as whores in Valdez films… (Fregoso, 93).” In Hollywood there are a lot of films that portray the Latinx community in a sensual manner and most women play these roles due to the lack of diversity available to Latinx community.
Ali, I have seen this film years ago and never tied Flor’s name into the stereotyping Latin Lover or more so romanticizing of her name. As stereotyping comes in many forms, I feel you’re spot on with the writer tying her name into romance. On another note, I did not see Flor as a seductress. I feel that she stuck to her deep Catholic roots although she did develop feelings towards her boss John, she respected the sanctimony of marriage and chose to leave staying true to her humble value. I’m glad you selected to review this film as I enjoy it when it was released in 2004.
Hello Ali,
So let me begin by saying I think I watched part of this movie but quickly lost interest. If I remember correctly it was because it did not seem plausible. I agree with you on the characterization of Flor and the stereotypes except for the seductress description. Perhaps I need to watch the entire film but I remember Flor demonstrating very humanistic qualities of being there in situations when needed and being empathetic when helping. That was what I thought John fell in love with. Things that were “exotic” to his world and everything being done differently for his children. That is just my opinion. You did a great job of describing the film and analyzing the plot.. I was interested in reading more about the racism Hollywood can’t escape from but I got the idea. Thank you.